Life

IRONMAN Legend is Spot On for Hawaii

A legendary Aussie is finally racing on the Big Island courtesy of the IRONMAN Lottery.

By Ian Hepenstall

Spot Anderson is larger than life – with a resume few can match. He won a team gold medal in the first ITU Triathlon World Championship in France in 1989, where he finished ninth. He first came into prominence in surfing, competing in the World Championship Tour as a grommet and Surf Lifesaving, competing in both the Uncle Tobys and Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain professional Surf Ironman Series. He won numerous Australian titles in surf sports including the iconic Coolangatta Gold race in the Masters division.

Anderson turned to triathlon in 1986 and was one of the stars of the Australian team in 1989, when he won the national long course title in addition to his exploits over the standard distance. He is a multi-IRONMAN finisher and, accordingly, has qualified several times for Hawaii, but turned down the opportunities, although he has been to Kona to watch the race.

"I had no intention of doing the race until I was older. I guess, here we are," says Anderson.

He remains closely involved in the sport after three decades, running the successful Bondi Fit Club in Sydney, providing professional coaching in swimming, surf, running and triathlon. His coaching style is strictly old-school.

"My approach to coaching is not compatible with princesses (male and female), so ask for another coach if you fit into this category," Anderson writes on his business website. For now it is training by example for the Sydneysider, although he is concerned at the training load.

"Staying injury free in the build-up is going to be a challenge because I haven’t trained properly for a few years and my brain is stronger than my body. I coach a triathlon group so I am looking forward to flogging a few of my athletes in training as I get into shape."

He had just started a running session at 5.30 a.m. when texts and Facebook posts flooded in congratulating him on being selected for the Lottery.

"My immediate thought was that I really should have been out running with my group. People were Facebooking me that I didn’t know so I figured a lot of people must have entered the lottery. I feel very lucky."

Anderson also knows what he expects from his time in Hawaii, and what will make his day special.

"For me, I love the sea life in the swim, the brutality of the lava fields and the magic of the island."

He even wants to finish at sunset to make his day perfect.

"It worked out that was the best time for finish photos. I may even wait on Ali’i Drive if I arrive early," he joked.